Two Writers, Two POVs

Leonard Asper wants to own the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Leonard Asper wants to build a big new football stadium. Leonard Asper wants government to kick in 80m dollars.

There are two diametrically opposed schools of thought on this: one heavily weighing in against it; one thinking it would be a terrific addition to the City.

In our fair city we have a plethora (great word eh) of writers that think theirs is the definitive word. One even thinks his is the only view that matters and dismisses others with differing views. Actually, more than one. But that is another story for another day.

Read for your self. Then let's talk. What do you think?

Tom Brodbeck, Winnipeg Sun. Click here.

Randy Turner, Winnipeg Free Press. Click Here.

Is there a middle ground?

Self Worth, Self Determination, Self Help

Self worth. The first order of business is to give back a sense of self-worth. Pride naturally follows self-worth. And self-determination, responsibility and accountability follow pride.

As I read that it sounds more than a little pompous and condescending. I don't mean to be. But I'm not a professionally trained writer and maybe I struggle to put my thoughts down in a meaningful - not hurtful, way. Mine are simple ideas within an incredibly complex frame. Bear with me.

How do we begin? With hand-ups not hand-outs. There is a monstrous welfare state to tear down. We can't simply keep throwing piles of money around. That exacerbates the problem.

Employment. Education.

In one scenario a group of natives are bored silly. Every month come allowance time, we dole out a handful of cash, pat 'em on the head and say "there you go, you're good for the rest of the month."

In this scenario unemployment is almost 100%. There is nothing to do. Restless and bored, the answer is to par-tay. A few days later the money is gone, the hangover is raging, and now withdrawals are kicking in.

You see, nothing has changed. Except the money is gone. There is nothing left to buy groceries. Nothing left to clothe the children. Nothing left to fix the house.

Now in another scenario instead of simply handing out a pile of cash why not create jobs so people can earn an income? If houses and roads need repair create a company that fixes houses and roads. If children need day care then create a day care.

Instead of sitting around drinking and fighting, watching TV and procreating, now the formerly bored have a respectful job and earn an income, and stay busy. The homes they live in are clean and well kept. The children are well-cared for. Now more money is available to build more homes. Buy more equipment. Expand the businesses off reserves.

With the improved infrastructure kids stay in schools and receive an education. Graduate. On to university and community college becoming doctors and teachers and plumbers and electricians. When they return to their homes they bring with them skills to further develop the reserve.

Eventually, possibly, self-determination. Self-help.

Our Home and Native(s) Land

There has been a lot said lately about aboriginal self-determination, responsibility and accountability. In newspapers and television reports we are hearing about tragic child murders on Manitoba reserves. Amazing land claim rights. Residential school payouts. Urban reserves in and near Winnipeg. Missing university funds. Alcoholism and unemployment. So much angst...

If all that doesn't get your attention then how about reports that while aboriginals represent 10% of the overall population of Manitoba they represent 20% of Manitoba's youth under 15 and 80% of our jails and prisons.

Now have I got your attention? This blog is about to take a (temporary) detour. I invite all to come along. We won't solve anything here but perhaps we can stimulate some interesting dialog.

I don't have all the answers and I'm not prejudiced. But it might seem that way, and I might actually be wrong, and not for the first time! But I do mean well in my thoughts and ideas, musings and ramblings.

So what is the problem and can we help?

Many years ago most of Canada's aboriginals were banished to mostly remote tracts of land, ostensibly in exchange for something of value. Additionaly the government promised to take care of those aboriginals seemingly in perpetuity and keep throwing money their way with (apparently) mostly little long term thought.

Banished is probably too strong a word. In perpetuity might be overstating things just a little. However, let's assume that is pretty much the way it was.

What we accomplished (?), over many generations, was to create a society that could not or would not take care of itself. Okay, yes, I am generalizing and painting an entire civilization with the same brush. I merely wish to paint as vivid a picture of the current state in Canada, AS I SEE IT, as I can.

What we end up with is a class of people who wait for someone else to take care of them. Funnel in the money to feed, educate, house, nurse...

We took away a sense of responsibility and accountability and built a society that has a limited understanding of value leading to ever-greater problems.

Homes and other buildings deteriorate. Children are abandoned. Apathy begins. This is how the vicious cycle begins.

The environment becomes unpleasant. Infrastructure falls apart. People begin to medicate themselves with alcohol and other drugs, including some very toxic cocktails, in an attempt to forget. This is how the vicious cycle is perpetuated.

Now we have a very angry society. This is how the vicious cycle becomes inflamed.

The angriest begin demanding that every ill afflicting Canada's aboriginals be fixed, and now. Throw more money at things. Many make outrageous demands and take illegal actions.

This leads to angry retribution. Most hear only the constant demands and the rhetoric. With too little understanding of the issues, people resist. And fight back. With words. With action.

That sets the table.

We have an increasing segment of Canadian society that cannot or will not take care of themselves, while growing angrier and angrier. Some are doing well and will share with others the key's to their success. Most do nothing.

Therein lies Canada's challenge.